Liza Minnelli shocks with surprise appearance at 2026 GLAAD Awards

Liza Minnelli blessed the queer community with her presence as she made a rare public and surprise appearance at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. − Liza Minnelli blessed the queer community with her presence as she made a rare public and surprise appearance at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.

Host Jonathan Bennett had hyped up a special guest appearance that would not disappoint, causing conversations inside the Beverly Hilton hotel ballroom about which icon was worthy of such a dramatic entrance. By the end of the night, synchronized chorus dancers surrounded the music legend on stage with a classic Broadway‑style performance before unveiling Minneli.

Pianist and friend Michael Feinstein gave a touching tribute about her impact and allyship before she accepted GLAAD's first-ever storyteller award. "Our stories give us strength. The queer community could not wish for a bigger and more wonderful advocate, friend and ally. The greatest storyteller of all time."

"You make me so proud because you're strong and you stand up for what you believe in. You really do and it's so nice to be here with you," Minnelli said after receiving a standing ovation. "I feel like a five-year-old. I didn't make a speech, so now I'm just rattling away."

Her honor comes ahead of her memoir, which will be published on March 10.